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Wednesday, January 09, 2008

State Corporation Commission- Wise Co Power Plant

Reports say that 150 people signed up to speak for and against the new plant. Some Highlights-

Democratic Sen. Phillip Puckett, whose district includes part of Wise County, called the plant an economic "win-win" for the county and the coal region.

"None of us ... intentionally want to pollute our land or cause problems for our people in the coal region," Puckett said.

The plant could create 800 jobs during the lengthy construction phase and could support more than 250 coal mining jobs once it goes on line in 2012, if approval is granted. The plant could also create about 75 jobs once it is operational.

"I think this is the perfect site," said Wise County Administrator Glen "Skip" Skinner. "We have the coal, we have the work force and we have a good company to work with to protect our environment and to contribute to our community."

Skinner has said officials are as concerned about the environment as anyone, but believe Dominion will keep its word to use technological advances to keep the plant clean.(LINK)

WISE — There’s been a lot of discussion about creating a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants, and a proposed plant in the Virginia City area near St. Paul has been getting a lot of criticism. That has prompted County Administrator Glen “Skip” Skinner and the county Board of Supervisors to formally re-affirm local officials’ support of Dominion Virginia Power’s plans to build a plant in Wise County. “There’s no question about this board supporting the power plant,” Skinner said. “This is to encourage Dominion.”(LINK Subscription required)

The board of supervisors represent the citizens. They are definitely in touch with the majority of the people here and their support for the new plant. A plant that will meet or exceed every law and EPA guideline.